You can make this versatile spice blend with a few readily available warm spices and a mixing bowl. It's easily customizable to suit your taste buds and keeps well for months. Good for any sweet pumpkin recipe you bake and some savory ones.
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Ever wondered what makes that slice of pumpkin pie or pumpkin cake taste so irresistible? It's the magic of pumpkin pie spice mix, a humble combination of basic spices that adds that old-fashioned fall flavor to your favorite recipes with pumpkin.
You'll love this fantastic spice mix recipe (a must for pumpkin season!) that can be adjusted to your taste. The same goes for the apple pie spice blend.
If, for example, you're not a big fan of cloves (like me, except in gingerbread), don't use them for this. But know that you can if you feel no pumpkin bake is complete without it.
The recipe below is our favorite mix due to the ratio of the ingredients; we use it for everything. Use it as a guide.
Why make your own blend
- Cost-effective.
- Fresher ingredients: especially if you make it regularly. And it's guaranteed without additives or preservatives. It beats store-bought pumpkin pie spice any day.
- Common spices: it uses easy ingredients, pantry staples that are readily available in the spice aisle at the grocery store.
- Adapted to your palate.
- Versatility: use it for any pumpkin bake (pies, cookies, cakes, pancakes, etc.) and also for some spiced savory dishes like pumpkin soup.
Ingredient list
- Cinnamon: any ground cinnamon you normally use works fine. I like Frontier Vietnamese cinnamon and Simply Organic Ceylon cinnamon.
- Ground ginger: don't use fresh, but powdered ginger such as Simply Organic ground ginger.
- Allspice: buy the ground allspice powder. If you have a spice grinder, you can buy whole allspice berries and grind them before using.
- Nutmeg: use ground nutmeg or buy whole nutmeg and grind them when needed like I do.
- Optional: ground cloves.
What spices are essential for pumpkin pie spice mix?
The essential spices are typically cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice, with cloves being a necessary addition for many people. Variations can be created by adding other spices like cardamom or star anise.
What's the shelf life of homemade pumpkin spice?
Properly stored in an airtight container away from light and heat, homemade spice mix can maintain its flavor for about 6 months. After this time, the spices may lose some potency. Always check before using it.
How do I adjust the spice mix for different recipes?
Start with the recommended amount in the recipe, taste, and adjust as needed. For sweeter dishes, you might add more cinnamon, while for savory recipes, you may reduce the sweetness by using less cinnamon and more ginger or savory spices like black pepper.
Is it worth making a large batch of pumpkin pie spice mix?
Making a larger batch can be convenient for future use and may save time and effort in the long run, but only if you know you'll be using it. Otherwise, it will lose strength and flavor before you can use it. Ensure you store it properly to maintain its freshness.
Uses for pumpkin spice mix
If you wonder about the versatility of pumpkin pie spice mix, it can be used in a wide range of dishes, sweet and savory.
How to make your own pumpkin spice mix
It's so easy to make a homemade spice blend. It's just a matter of combining individual spices in the right proportions.
And that's the only detail: what amount of each should you use?
Start with the ones in the recipe card below, and adjust if needed to fit your palate.
Storing spice mixes
- Use an airtight container: mason jars, small spice jars, or containers with tight-sealing lids work well. Making sure there is minimal air inside the container prevents moisture and air from degrading the spices.
- Label: write the date you made the spice mix. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
- Store in a cool, dark place: keep the spice mix in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. A pantry, spice cabinet or cupboard is an ideal location.
- Avoid refrigeration: keeping them in the fridge is not recommended for spice mixes as it can introduce moisture and cause clumping. Spices should remain dry.
- Check for freshness: spice blends can lose their potency over time. While they might not be spoiled, they may be less flavorful. Consider making a fresh batch if you've stored the mix for over a year. Smell the spices before using them.
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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix (5-minute recipe)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients in a small bowl until no streaks remain. It might take a bit until the cinnamon fully integrates.
- Transfer to an airtight jar, label it and store it in the pantry, cupboard or other cool, dry, dark place. It keeps for 6 months or more.
- Use it for your favorite pumpkin spice recipes.
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